Tuesday, September 27, 2016

As a rule, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure
out your dog's emotions. From the
"I didn't mean to do it" look that suggests trouble to the
"dance of delight" when you come home from work; your dog lets you
know how it's feeling. But can you read
the signs of your dog's anxiety?

Just like humans, different breeds exhibit in different
ways. A more aggressive breed may take
out their troubles on you or your home.
Shy breeds may turn their stress inward,
and make themselves sick. We did some
research and came up with a few ways your pooch pal might demonstrate their
stress--and how you can help.

Accidents

These are one of the most easy-to-recognize signs of a
problem. Dogs who experience separation
anxiety, but have otherwise been house-trained, may backslide in their
training. A safe and secure area: crate, small room, etc., may help your dog
feel more secure.

Pinned-back ears

Different dogs, different types of ears. Whether they stand up, drop down or combine
the two, dogs will pull their ears back and low when stressed. Pinned-back ears--something's not right.

Panting

With no way to sweat, dogs generally pant to cool themselves
down. If your dog is panting for no apparent reason, possibly with pinned-back
ears, she may be stressing. Be careful if the dog suddenly stops panting
and closes his mouth; she may be so anxious she's read to bite.

Shedding

Almost every dog sheds a bit. But if you notice hair everywhere or bald
spots appearing on your pet, it may be a sign of stress. FYI--vets report a high level of shedding in
their exam rooms. Just like humans, dogs
can find a visit to the doctor a daunting experience.

Yawning

Again, just like we yawn when nervous, so does your
dog. Generally, it's a way to take in
additional oxygen that the body craves during anxious situations. The stress yawn is usually in conjunction
with other behaviors such as avoidance or pinned ears.

Avoidance

New surroundings, strangers, an additional animal in the
home--there are a host of reasons for your dog to demonstrate avoidance. A
tucked tail, turning away, heading out of the room are all signs of
discomfort. Respect the fact that he'd
rather leave the room than escalate to aggression, but try to determine the cause
of his concern.

Destructive behaviors

Dogs may try to ease tension by chewing or biting furniture,
you or themselves! This commonly occurs
when your pal is left alone or when threatened in the presence of other dogs.

Illness

Is your dog's illness actually a result of stress? Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, skin
problems or allergies can all be signs of stress. If you and your vet can find
no obvious cause, anxiety may be the problem.

Barking

All that noise driving you nuts? Inside
or out, excessive barking can be a sign of tension. Is it separation
anxiety? A stranger at the door?

How to help
your dog

Just like our children, our dogs appreciate routine. Regular feeding times, walking the same
route, and a safe corner to call their own will provide a less stressful environment.

Develop rules: Dogs
experience less stress when they know what you want. Set your house rules and
be firm, yet gentle about them. Be
consistent--your dog wants to please you, but cannot possibly succeed if the
rules keep changing.

Avoid stressful situations: If you know, for example, that
your dog doesn't like mail delivery, place him in a different part of the house
when the postman comes by. If your dog
doesn't like to be left on his own, crate confinement may provide some comfort.

Exercise frequently: It's a great tension-reliever for your
dog. Keep it fun and mix it
up--repetitive games such as fetch can actually cause stress in some dogs.

Set clear boundaries.
Recognize the signs of your furry friend's stress. You and your dog will enjoy the benefits of a
less tense life.

***

This blog is brought
to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems.
Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality
Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an
understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to
Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

All content provided
on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on
this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be
liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability
of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or
damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions
of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

There are a million reasons to adopt a dog during the American Humane Association’s yearly “Adopt-a-Dog Month®” this month. 3-4 million is a more accurate number–that’s how many sheltered animals are euthanized yearly because they never find someone to provide a safe and happy home.

If you’re thinking about making a dog a part of your family, consider adopting from your local shelter or rescue organization. Dogs are amazing creatures who can make a huge difference in your world–a best friend, your therapy partner, an exercise pal, even an ear to listen to your worries (though you shouldn’t expect much advice!). Adoption will save a dog’s life and more than likely improve your life.

Your local rescue organization or shelter offers dogs to meet your particular needs. You can search by type, age, special needs and personality. Better still, visit a local shelter and you just might be surprised by the animal that you connect with. If you prefer a particular breed that isn’t available at a shelter, go online to find a genuine breed-specific rescue group in need of adopters like you.

Find out what a shelter or rescue dog can bring to your life this October during Adopt-A-Dog Month. Here are some resources to get you started:

Shelters & Rescue Groups–check local organizations and stores that offer adoption days. Here are some of the national ones:

-ASPCA

-American Humane Association

-Petfinder.com

-Petco & Petsmart

Here are a few ways the AHA suggests you celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month:

Adopt from a shelter or rescue group

Talk with shelter staff to find the perfect dog for you, your family and your lifestyle. Remember… older dogs make excellent pets, too.

Spay or neuter your dog

Prevent the possibility of unexpected, and potentially unwanted, puppies. Spayed and neutered animals have been shown to lead longer, healthier lives and have fewer behavioral problems than animals who have not been spayed or neutered. Many organizations offer reduced rate or free services for rescued dogs.

ID your pet

A tag, a microchip or both, will reduce the possibility of your pal becoming one of the presumably “homeless” dogs that end up at your local shelter. Here’s a sad statistic–only 15-20 percent of dogs who enter a shelter are reunited with their owners. Make sure your dog is one of the fortunate few.

Support your local shelter

Donate time, money or supplies like pet food, leashes, beds and toys. Call the shelter to see what’s needed. One toy or a clean towel can make a difference.

“If you haven’t yet experienced that remarkable power of the human-animal bond, American Humane Association encourages you to consider adopting a dog and finding out just how life-changing it can be,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. “With so many dogs in shelters all across our country available for adoption — and many of them never finding a safe, loving, forever home — adopting a dog will make you a hero, too.”

Source: American Humane Association

***

This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The reason why cats sometimes eat grass (and other plants)
is not completely understood. There are several probable theories as to why
they do:

For the
nutrients

Cats are carnivorous,
they need to consume meat to live. When cats hunt, they consume almost
all parts of their prey including the stomach and its contents. This may
include small amounts of plant matter and their nutrients. Your pet cat
probably doesn't hunt and therefore won't get to ingest those small amounts of
plant material obtained from prey. They
may try to obtain these vitamins/minerals by eating grass if there is a
nutritional imbalance in the diet.

To help
them vomit

We all know what happens after our cats consume grass, they
come back inside and vomit all over our favorite bed or rug. Spiteful?
Maybe. It is believed that grass
acts as an irritant to the stomach, and cats don't have the ability to digest
grass in the way herbivores do. This makes sense from an evolutionary point of
view because when hunting, cats eat their entire prey. Vomiting helps rid the digestive tract of unwanted
feathers, bones, etc.

To bring
up hairballs

Adding to the vomiting theory, it is speculated that another
reason cats consume grass is to assist with the passage of hairballs. When cats
groom themselves, they inevitably ingest fur which can build up in the stomach.
Eating grass can help with the passage of hairballs either from regurgitating
or as a laxative.

Because
they can

They may simply enjoy the taste of grass. Cat-loving friends
tell us that their own feline friends enjoy a variety of greenery--cucumber and
broccoli are just two. Now if we could
just get them to eat their spinach!

What kind
of grass

If you want to grow a tub of grass inside for your cat to
nibble on, common types include:

·Wheatgrass

·Barley

·Common oat

Is there
a difference between cat grass and catnip?

Yes, catnip is a member of the mint family. They are
completely unrelated. Catnip can also induce a "buzz" in some cats;
cat grass doesn't have this effect on cats.

Cat grass and catnip are perfectly safe for your cat to eat. However, mind there are a large number of
plants that are toxic to cats. It is recommended you don't have indoor house
plants that are poisonous as they can in some cases lead to death. The ASPCA includes the following plants on
their toxicity list:

·Aloe Vera

·Asian Lily

·Asparagus Fern

·Begonia

·Baby's Breath

·Calla Lily

·Corn Plant

·Cycads (Sago Palm, Fern Palm

·Daffodil

·Geranium

·Jade Plant

·Pencil Cactus

·Ribbon Plant (Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant,
Dracaena, Dragon Tree)

·Tulip

Safety
precautions

Note that grass grown outdoors may have been sprayed with
chemicals such as weed killers or fertilizers that can be toxic to cats. If you have an outdoor cat, take care if your
cat has a tendency to nibble on the greenery.

***

This blog is brought
to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems.
Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality
Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an
understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to
Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

All content provided
on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on
this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be
liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability
of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or
damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions
of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Today, you might treat a tiny frog. Tomorrow it might be a herd of rhinoceros. Zoo veterinarians are the epitome of medical jacks-of-all-trades. Mammal, fish, reptile or bird, they do it all.

These providers of comprehensive animal care must know how to recognize different digestive, vascular, and reproductive systems; infectious and chronic illnesses; pharmacological needs; and animal behaviors in order to develop courses of care.

MEDICATIONS: Administering drugs isn’t simple as picking up a prescription at the local drugstore. Zoo vets have to cobble together drug dosages, because pharmaceutical companies don’t publish formulations for every species. A published dosage for a dog would probably work for a wolf; or that antibiotics effective on lizards might work for snakes. But what about a d Gila monster?

ANESTHESIA: As with humans, sedating animals and performing surgery are last resorts. That’s why zookeepers train animals to demonstrate behaviors that make it easier to draw blood, administer shots, and conduct exams.

BIRTH DAYS: It’s exciting when babies are born – or hatched. Newborn antelopes and other herd animals are often checked and tagged 48 hours after birth. Although recognizing newborns may seem simple, herd animals often deliver at the same time of year, and the babies look strikingly similar. Vets check the mother’s lactation and the baby’s suckle response and hydration. During difficult labors, vets may manually assist with breech births or perform C-sections.

Vets monitor hormone levels or perform ultrasounds for some expectant mothers. Often, animals are trained to allow vets or a veterinary ultrasonographer to apply a jelly-like substance to their bellies for the test to check the fetus’s health and estimate due dates

Using methods similar to humans, Zoo populations often are managed to limit or facilitate pregnancies. Many animals are on birth control so the population doesn’t get out of control or inbreeding doesn’t occur. In cases where there is a need to increase the population or genetic diversity of a species vets may use assisted reproduction.

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS: Zoo vet teams routinely test blood or tissue samples, taking advantage of more than a dozen pathology labs, each one specializing in a certain species or test. When an animal passes away; vets perform necropsies to determine the cause of death so that information can contribute to the body of knowledge among scientists and zoo professionals. When possible, tissue and bones are donated for educational purposes.

In the wild, many animals don’t exhibit obvious signs of illness because other members of its group may perceive it as weakness or because the animal may become easy prey. Diagnosing challenging cases may require the services of onsite or offsite computed-tomography (CT) or magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) facilities.

Outside medical specialists allow the hospital team to extend their resources. Many zoos routinely works with specialists on cases requiring ophthalmic or dental surgery, CT or MRI scans, pathology results, and hoof trims. The depth of knowledge of a zoo's veterinary team, combined with the expertise of several specialists, will help provide even better care.

So the next time you visit your local zoo and the giraffe sneezes, you can trust that the zoo veterinarian team knows what to do!

***

This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Think about it…what qualities would you like to see in your politicians? Honesty? Plays well with others? Dedication? Lots of energy? Don’t we wish that our politicians displayed the best traits of our dogs? Dog don’t lie (well, maybe about that accident on the rug). You know right away if they like you. They generally are polite to other dogs and people (Congress would do well to mimic); and when they work, they work hard.

Perhaps the two things dogs have in common with politicians are greed and a tendency to sit and yip about nothing. Dogs are ethical–you don’t bite the person who feeds you, you don’t tear up the house (puppies aside), you don’t let the “bad guys” in; not even for a treat. They do make positive contributions to political situations, however. President Truman once said that if you wanted a friend in Washington you should get a dog.

So what do you think? Let’s allow politics to “go to the dogs” on September 23. We might be surprised at how well they do!!

Fun Facts About First Dogs

Presidential dogs have often endeared themselves to the electorate. In honor of Dogs in Politics Day, here are a few facts about first dogs:

George Washington’s Foxhounds

The first President had 36 dogs. George Washington’s favorite breeds were hounds used extensively for fox hunting. The Father of Our Country is also considered the Father of the American Foxhound. Washington bred his hounds with the French variety, creating a new breed that survives into today.

James Buchanan’s Newfoundland

Ever wonder why our 15th president remained a bachelor? Perhaps it was because of Lara the Newfy, who weighed in at close to 170 pounds. Lara is reported to be the heaviest dog to occupy the White House.

FDR’s Scotty

Who hasn’t heard about the Scottish Terrier who set the standard for First Dog? A famously funny story: Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency was being criticized heavily; and the criticism spread to the family. No response from FDR until Fala was attacked. To quote The Fala Speech…

“I am accustomed to hearing malicious falsehoods about myself – such as that old, worm-eaten chestnut that I have represented myself as indispensable. But I think I have a right to resent, to object to libelous statements about my dog.”

The only dog to have a statue in a national monument is Fala, FDR’s Scottish Terrier. The statue of Fala is a fixture in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

George W. Bush & the Internet Stars

Barney and Miss Beazley, First dogs of George W. Bush, were the first presidential dogs to have their own website.

The First Fido–Thank You Mr. Lincoln

We all know at least one dog named Fido. Why is it so common? Fido has a Latin base meaning “I trust” or faithful one. The president who came up with that name for his dog was none other than Abraham Lincoln. If it was good enough for Lincoln, it’s good enough for us.

***

This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS)has been providing Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.